Cabinet Office Minister Francis Maude visited Malvern this week to meet some of the county’s leading cyber defence businesses. The Minister accepted an invitation from West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin to come and tour the area she has named ‘cyber valley’ and meet with local businesses. The Minister officially opened the country’s first ‘dirty lab’ set up in Malvern Hills Science Park to help test IT systems and to help prevent cyber attack. The lab - set up by local companies Encription, Borwell and 3sdl - also offers training facilities for people learning cyber defence techniques. Francis Maude MP commented: “Data is the 21st century’s raw material and offers immense possibilities, we need to harness the opportunities this provides while also protecting ourselves. “Government is working to raise awareness of the potential cyber threat to businesses reputation, revenues and intellectual property. But cyber security also offers huge benefits for businesses and is an important growth area for our economy. “My visit to Malvern is an excellent opportunity to see and hear about the work local businesses and SMEs are undertaking. I look forward to discussing how Government can help develop the UK SME cyber sector and work hand-in-hand with industry to support its growth.” Harriett Baldwin MP added: “I am pleased that Francis Maude agreed to visit Malvern and come and see what 'cyber valley' has to offer. “Many of the brilliant brains of Malvern have set up little businesses working in our national interests and cyber defence is a rapidly growing sector. “The entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well across the county and I hope that the Minister will be able to show them how the Government can help each business to thrive and grow. “The town that 70 years ago developed radar to defend our borders is now at the forefront of another important defensive operation and we are all proud of their efforts. “This will also offer opportunities to young people looking for an exciting career working in this area and I hope that many new jobs will be created over the coming months and years.”